Many New Zealand women are achieving in leadership throughout the country and often in fields that are dominated by men and/or in very competitive environments. We want to highlight three women in particular, who either write for or subscribe to Womenz . All have won National awards in recent times and we congratulate them on these hallmark achievements.

Lorna Murray, CEO of Connect Supporting Recovery (previously AMHS) was awarded the Glenys Baldick Memorial Leadership Award at the New Zealand Health Innovations Awards in November 2008.

The panel commended Lorna’s success in leading Connect and her passion for Mental Health, community and sector development. 

Connect is a Mental Health Charity (NGO) based in Glenfield on the North Shore of Auckland and provides Community Support, Peer Support, Residential Support and Employment Support (through Edge Employment). 
The Glenys Baldick Award for Emerging Leaders in Health is sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Accuro. 

Lorna acknowledged that Leadership is a contact sport, and that her success is due to the support and partnership that she experiences in Connect and in the community. Lorna has the added challenge of a hearing disability, but says that she believes that this makes her a more compassionate, optimistic and people-focused leader.  She intends to use the award to fund a Masters Degree.

www.connectsr.org.nz. 

Christchurch based Stephanie Wiki – owner of The Insurance Clinic - picked up two top awards at the PAA Adviser of the Year Awards March 2009.

Asteron Risk Adviser of the Year

Sovereign PAA Adviser of the Year

It is significant that a Christchurch business woman has succeeded in taking out these two national awards - when the bulk of professionals in this very competitive industry, are from the North Island and are men.

Chief executive of the PAA, Dave McMillan was highly impressed with the quality of Stephanie’s business. "Our members are bound by a code of ethics and a complaints procedure that holds advisers accountable for the financial advice they give. The awards are designed to say that of all the people who adhere to our code of ethics and standards, here’s the cream of the crop. Stephanie’s business is right up there with the very best and we are delighted with such a deserving winner."

www.theinsuranceclinic.co.nz

Janet Xuccoa, Trust director of Gilligan Rowe + Associates Ltd, (through their  trustee company Cornwall Trustees Ltd) was awarded the prestigious ‘2008 New Zealand Corporate Trustee of the Year’ award by the New Zealand Trustees Association.

“Naturally, we’re pleased.  But while it may be a big deal in our little world and make us feel pretty good about ourselves for a second or two, it’s only on reflection that the real message behind this story jumps out. And that message is all about two things: security and procrastination. 
Procrastination and putting off decisions to set up a Trust can cause pain.  Real pain.  And it’s not just financial. 
It can also affect health and relationships. We know because we get to see it all too regularly. We have an industry in New Zealand that we can be proud of. So, on the outside while some people might view our job as a mystery or even stuffy, we know that as Professional Trustees it’s all about helping people to protect what’s important. We have a good industry full of good and professional people who care.  But while we think we’re good, we’re not good enough to force you take the first step. “

These words of wisdom from a leader in her field!